Texas Civil Service Exam Writing and Grammar 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' vs. 'effect'?
- The new policy will effect all city employees.
- The new policy will affect all city employees. (Correct answer)
- The new policy will have an affect on all city employees.
- The new policy will had an effect all city employees.
Correct answer: The new policy will affect all city employees.
'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning a result.
Question 2: Which is the correct way to write a number in a formal report?
- The department responded to 9 incidents last month.
- The department responded to nine incidents last month. (Correct answer)
- The department responded to Nine incidents last month.
- The department responded to 9th incidents last month.
Correct answer: The department responded to nine incidents last month.
In formal writing, numbers one through nine are typically spelled out in full.
Question 3: Identify the dangling modifier: 'Walking to the station, the rain began to fall.'
- Walking to the station (Correct answer)
- The rain began
- To fall
- There is no error
Correct answer: Walking to the station
The participial phrase 'Walking to the station' incorrectly modifies 'the rain' rather than a person.
Question 4: Which sentence is written in active voice?
- The report was filed by the officer.
- The regulations were reviewed by the committee.
- The supervisor approved the budget amendment. (Correct answer)
- The complaint was handled by a senior employee.
Correct answer: The supervisor approved the budget amendment.
In active voice, the subject performs the action; 'The supervisor approved' follows this structure.
Question 5: Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'The city council will _____ the zoning ordinance next Tuesday.'
- altar
- alter (Correct answer)
- alters
- altered
Correct answer: alter
'Alter' means to change; 'altar' is a noun referring to a religious table.
Question 6: A civil service letter closes with: 'If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.' Which word could be replaced to use more direct language?
- Questions
- Please
- Do not hesitate to contact (Correct answer)
- Office
Correct answer: Do not hesitate to contact
'Do not hesitate to contact' is wordy; plain language guidelines prefer 'contact' or 'please contact'.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- The detective found a clue that helped solve the case.
- She submitted the report early and correctly.
- The officer almost drove 100 miles to reach the scene. (Correct answer)
- The supervisor reviewed the applications and selected three candidates.
Correct answer: The officer almost drove 100 miles to reach the scene.
'Almost drove 100 miles' means nearly drove (but didn't); it should be 'drove almost 100 miles.'
Texas Civil Service Exam Writing and Grammar 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' vs. 'effect'?